I Tested Dozens -- These are my BEST Fudgy Brownies

unsweetened chocolate

🥗Healthier: cocoa powder + coconut oil

💰Cheaper: cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is more accessible and lower in fat.

butter

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: margarine

Applesauce reduces calories while keeping moisture.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia is low-calorie and sweetens effectively.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate chunks

Dark chocolate has less sugar and is richer in flavor.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cut 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter into tablespoon-sized pieces for even melting.

Chop 4 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate into small pieces.

Melt butter and chocolate together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

Add 1/2 cup of natural cocoa powder to the melted butter and chocolate mixture while still warm.

Optionally add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee grounds or espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.

In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar.

Add 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk to the sugar mixture, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.

Whisk the egg and sugar mixture vigorously for about 60 seconds until lightened in color.

Add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and mix until combined.

Sprinkle in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and gently stir until just combined.

Fold in 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.

Prepare a 9-inch metal pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.

Optionally, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with fudgy crumbs.

Let the brownies cool before cutting to maintain fudgy texture.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens